Informed Consent – What Combat Sports Promotions Can Learn From the NHL Concussion Lawsuit

November 26, 2013

On the heels of the NFL $765 Million Concussion lawsuit settlement comes a proposed class action filed by 10 former NHL players. This high profile lawsuit seeks damages based on allegations that the NHL fraudulently concealed or otherwise kept relevant data about concussive risks from its players and further that the league failed to take … More Informed Consent – What Combat Sports Promotions Can Learn From the NHL Concussion Lawsuit

PEI Kickboxing Event Shutdown Demonstrates The Realities in the Post Bill S-209 World

November 24, 2013

I thought that Weyburn Saskatchewan would be the first to teach us what happens when an unsanctioned combat sport is hosted in a post Bill S-209 world but the matter is apparently still “under investigation”.  Moving East, Charlottetown PEI has just demonstrated the modern reality of what occurs when a combat sports event is planned … More PEI Kickboxing Event Shutdown Demonstrates The Realities in the Post Bill S-209 World

MMA Scoring Contraversies; Sometimes the Solution is Right Before Your Eyes

November 21, 2013

If you spend any time discussing the result of GSP’s title defense at UFC  167 there is no shortage of controversy among fans.  Some believe GSP fairly won three rounds, others say no way, others yet say if GSP won three rounds the two he lost far outweighed those.   From there many are quick … More MMA Scoring Contraversies; Sometimes the Solution is Right Before Your Eyes

The Three Biggest Legal Threats to Mixed Martial Arts

November 20, 2013

MMA has come a long way in the past 20 years and the biggest promotion in the sport has ambitious plans for continued global growth. Few things can derail ambitious plans faster, however, than foreseeable tragedy and the aftermath of subsequent litigation.  With this in mind there are three potential areas worth canvassing that have … More The Three Biggest Legal Threats to Mixed Martial Arts

Combat Sports Safety Literature Update

November 15, 2013

In my ongoing efforts to highlight relevant safety studies addressing combat sports,  the following articles are worth reviewing for those interested in this subject: Effects of taekwondo kicks on head accelerations and injury potential Knowledge about sports-related concussion: is the message getting through to coaches and trainers? Dehydration and Performance on Clinical Concussion Measures in … More Combat Sports Safety Literature Update

Saskatchewan Athletics Commission Act Passes First Reading

November 6, 2013

Earlier this year the Government of Saskatchewan legalized amateur MMA and other combat sports and announced plans to create a Provincial Athletic Commission to address professional combat sports.  The first legislative step to make this a reality has now taken place. The Government introduced Bill 108 “An Act Respecting the Athletics Commission and Professional Contests … More Saskatchewan Athletics Commission Act Passes First Reading

Drafter of Bill S-209 Disagrees With BC’s Narrow Interpretation of the Law

October 30, 2013

Earlier this month I highlighted BC’s stance that professional kickboxing and muay thai events are not allowed under the updated Section 83 of the Criminal Code. BC interprets the ability of the Province to regulate pro MMA as excluding the sport’s component parts.  If this interpretation is correct than all of the competent sports that … More Drafter of Bill S-209 Disagrees With BC’s Narrow Interpretation of the Law

Why Pro Kickboxing / Muay Thai are Illegal in BC and What Can Be Done About It

October 25, 2013

Whether professional kickboxing and Muay Thai events can legally be sanctioned in Canada is debatable due to the present wording of Section 83 of the Criminal Code. As previously discussed, British Columbia has taken a very restrictive interpretation of section 83 and deem these sports illegal in the Province.   I reached out to BC’s … More Why Pro Kickboxing / Muay Thai are Illegal in BC and What Can Be Done About It

When Sports Violence Collides With the Criminal Code

October 17, 2013

An interesting and often controversial topic is the overlap of the criminal law with sports violence.  MMA is not immune from this analysis as there is nothing that keeps the Criminal Code assault provisions from being triggered in appropriate circumstances.  In cases of PED abuse and intentional post bout contact, criminal prosecution is not out … More When Sports Violence Collides With the Criminal Code

Saskatchewan Publishes Amateur MMA, Kickboxing and Muay Thai Rules; First Sanctioned Event Announced

October 10, 2013

Further to Saskatchewan’s Order in Council passed earlier this year legalizing amateur combat sports, the Province has now published their rules for amateur MMA, Full Contact Martial Arts, Kickboxing and Muay Thai. You can access a copy below: SMAA Amateur MMA Rulebook SMAA Full Contact Kickboxing and Thai Boxing Rulebook In addition to publishing the … More Saskatchewan Publishes Amateur MMA, Kickboxing and Muay Thai Rules; First Sanctioned Event Announced